I’m so concerned about the growing number of concussions in the NFL for 2022. Ever since I first saw a game in the mid-90s, the risk of brain trauma has been a major factor when it comes to professional football. I’ve paid close attention to the changes in the game and the protections in place to prevent concussions and it has definitely become more of a focus now that players are retiring at an earlier age out of fear of CTE.
I remember when it was first being talked about in the media, it was an afterthought. “Oh, you have to be aware of the concussion risk that comes with football.” No one took it seriously and the league was slow to react. But now, it’s a different story. The NFL has put in place numerous safety protocols, concussion protocols, and medical staff to ensure that any head or neck injuries are fully checked and cleared before an athlete steps back onto the field.
I’ve also seen reports of the league considering more lenient rules for hits that don’t result in a concussion, but could still cause players to become injured. If those are approved, it could lead to even more concussions as players are given additional incentive to go for the big hit instead of taking a safer approach.
On top of that, new helmet technology, such as the new Vicis Zero 1 helmet, is being implemented to reduce the risk of concussions. But no matter how much the league tries to protect players, the risk is always there. And as much as I’d like to think that these measures would help, I don’t believe the number of concussions in 2022 will be any lower than in 2021—it will likely be higher.
Safety aside though, the NFL is also becoming more physical. Teams are devising strategies to generate more pass rushes and keep opposing offenses from scoring. That means more aggressive play and a higher chance of injury. We’re also seeing teams putting more emphasis on tackling, which often leads to a greater chance of head trauma.
To summarize: I believe that concussions in the nfl Jerseys for 2022 will be higher than average. Don’t get me wrong—the league is doing a good job protecting players with protocols, testing, and technology. But I don’t think it’s being taken seriously enough and that could lead to more injuries and a greater chance of major trauma.
As we move into the 2022 season, more changes will likely occur. The league is always adapting and making adjustments, but at the same time, it’s important to remember the risks that come with professional football—especially when it comes to head trauma and the potential long-term effects. It’s frightening to think about the number of concussions in a single season, but it’s even more frightening to think about what the aftermath could be if more isn’t done to protect players.
Going forward, I hope that the league will take the issue seriously and make more drastic measures to reduce the risk of head trauma. One of the ways this could be achieved is by further reducing contact in practice and better enforcement of the existing rules that govern how teams can tackle. And if the league can convince players and coaches to adhere to those regulations, it could go a long way in providing a safe playing environment for everyone involved.